Patent · US Expired

Permanent anchoring arrangement for floating structures

US4637336A · kind A · utility

9Cited by
3References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 7, 1984
Grant dateJan 20, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 7, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB63B2022/028
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A relatively permanent anchoring arrangement for a decommissioned tanker which is connected to an undersea flexible transfer hose, uses a spreader beam suspended under the tanker by a plurality of mooring hawsers which are guided on the hull of the tanker. A support column structure having a vertical axis is suspended from and supported by the spreader beam. The support column structure comprises a diver's chamber which includes a massive peripheral bearing which enables relative rotary movement between the diver's chamber and the support column. The diver's chamber is anchored and fastened using a plurality of anchor chains. The diver's chamber can be evacuated and made dry for a diver to enter for purposes of bearing inspection maintenance. A fluid proof rotary joint housed in the diver's chamber is provided for connecting an undersea flexible transfer hose to a rigid transfer tube emerging from the tanker at the bottom thereof. Anchoring in high seas is effective by this arrangement.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.